Day 3 – Sunday (8/26/18)
One thing that I struggled with as a young Christian was understanding how God speaks to us. I would read in the Old Testament how God would speak directly to people like Abraham, Moses, Samuel, etc in an audible voice. As a child, I would pray about a situation, asking for an answer from God. I would try and try to hear an audible voice. I never did. Then I thought maybe God still spoke through dreams. No luck there either. Now, I’m not saying that God can’t, hasn’t, or won’t speak to us today in these methods. However, I have found as I have matured in my faith in God how God speaks to me. God tends to always speak to me through devotions, fellow Christian’s, and/or preachers (in person or on the radio). Often, God will hit me with all 3, as if to make sure He gets my attention. Now, there is a prerequisite to hearing God speak in these ways… You must be listening. What makes me listen? It starts with me praying a request to God, and then culminates by me having the faith that God will answer, and actively listening for/looking for His answer. Let me give a real life example that happened today.
As blog readers know, I have been praying over the last few days about my blobby situation. I sent out the blog to many people. Last night, I got an email response from a fellow church member who gave me some advice that helped her during a time of need in her life. She said “just keep saying faith not fear, remember God is in control, and rest in His peace”. I thought this was great advice. Then, this morning when I woke up, I opened up the Wisdom Hunters devotional (www.wisdomhunters.com). I have read this devotional for a couple of years now, and I have found God speak to me through it more than any other method. Low and behold, the topic today was “Don’t Be Afraid. Fear cannot coexist in the presence of faith”. The scripture referenced was Matthew 17:7-8. So, now my “God’s speaking to me” ears are perked up. Two positive confirmations from two different sources in less than 12 hours… wow! Now fast forward to our guest speaker at Church this morning. He gave a great sermon on 2 versus…
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Bam! Confirmation number 3. God is clearly saying to me that there is no need to fear anything. Have faith, trust Him, acknowledge Him, and he will guide me through this valley. Then, just for icing on the cake, my brother showed me after church the scripture from his Bible app this morning. Psalms 139:13-14 “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This was a nice reminder that God made me, and for that, I will praise Him.
I am truly thankful how God spoke to me today. In addition, there was one more event for which I am also thankful. At the end of our service, the chairman of the deacons brought before the congregation my situation. The entire church gathered around me and my family, and prayed for us. I am so thankful to be a part of Christ’s family, and have so many brothers and sisters that care about me. The outpouring of love that I felt this morning from all of you will no doubt help carry me through the coming week, and the uncertainty that lies within.
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for my church family. Thank you for the love and compassion that you have placed in their hearts. Thank you for always being willing to answer our prayers, provided we are willing to listen. I understand sometimes you may not answer our prayers in the manner that we would like (or with the answer we want). However, I know that it is Your will, not mine Lord. You see the beginning from the end. You know what is best for us. I yield to your Holy wisdom in the matters that lie ahead. Faith not fear. That will be my motto as we move through the coming week. Thank you for showing me that today. I love you always Lord, amen.